Uncover Extra Cash with These Five Year-End Moves

Cash in Your Rewards Points: Before the year closes, consider redeeming expiring hotel and airline rewards points. Even if your points have a longer lifespan, year-end deals may offer better value for your credit card rewards. Don't wait, as the value of these points tends to decline over time. This is an opportune moment to offset holiday expenses with cash back or secure discounted summer flights.

Hunt for Unclaimed Funds: The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators estimates that $70 billion in unclaimed cash and property awaits rightful owners. About one in seven individuals may have unclaimed property. Check the Missing Money database to see if you have any forgotten assets, such as stocks, uncashed checks, or forgotten accounts.

Convert Unused Gift Cards into Cash: Rather than letting unwanted gift cards collect dust, trade them for cash on sites like “CardCash” or “Gift Card Granny.” While you may need to accept a discount, these platforms provide upfront payment for your cards. Alternatively, you can trade your card for a more favorable one. Take advantage of the opportunity to buy discounted gift cards for various retailers.

Turn Loose Change into Dollars: Gather loose change and visit a Coinstar machine to exchange it for cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. While Coinstar takes a percentage cut for cash transactions, exchanging for gift cards incurs no fees. Check their website to locate a nearby kiosk.

Trim Unnecessary Subscriptions: A recent study by “C+R Research” reveals that over 40 percent of consumers pay for unused subscriptions. Review your bank and credit card statements from the past year to identify and cancel subscriptions you no longer need. 

By adopting these simple tactics, you can fortify your financial standing and navigate the holiday season with greater ease.